Caputo: Lions need to make right moves (with video)

The 2012 season began with great hope and ended with utter disappointment, so any current view of the Detroit Lions painting less than an ugly picture about 2013 is viewed with skepticism.

Itís the nature of the NFL to feature one extreme to another ó often occurring without obvious signs of what is pending.

The Lions were 0-16 and moved into the playoffs with remarkable swiftness ó just three years. Then they not only went 4-12, but lost their final eight games in 2012.

The Lionsí past two draft classes are not looking good. They enter the free agent signing period this week with all sorts of questions, but few obvious answers.

Yet, if there is a lesson to be learned from what has transpired since the Lions sunk deeply into the NFLís abyss in 2008, itís how quickly fortunes turn in the NFL.

Think about this: While itís true the Lions were 0-16 in Ď08, the year before they began the season 6-2. Head coach Rod Marinelli, and yes, team president Matt Millen, couldnít have been more secure in their positions a little more than a year before they were fired.

Last year at this time, general manager Martin Mayhew and head coach Jim Schwartz were being widely hailed for turning around the Lions. Schwartz got a contract extension.

By the end of the season, perception was Mayhew has little acumen judging talent and Schwartz is a disaster come alive on the sidelines.

The Lions have had more than two months to regroup since the walls collapsed. Not only is free agency starting, but the NFL Draft is at the end of April. The off-season program, when teams bond during 14 organized team activity practice session, and a three-day mini camp, begin shortly thereafter. Thatís when teams are made.

Itís not that there isnít much work to be done. There is. Last year, at this time, Mayhew elected to keep the team almost entirely intact after a 10-6 record and a spot in the playoffs in 2011.

It was a mistake. So was the manner in which the Lions approached the draft. They took players in the first two rounds, offensive lineman Riley Reiff and wide receiver Ryan Broyles, with no intention of starting them.

In todayís NFL, thatís a cardinal sin. It was extremely costly.

Mayhew and Schwartz, I believe, are capable. I do believe they will learn from their mistakes.

And I donít believe the Lionsí cupboard is bare. There is a nucleus to build around.

It begins with quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Calvin Johnson, and continues on defense with lineman Ndamukong Suh.

Stafford did take a step back last season, but it wasnít as monumental as many fans and pundits have presented it. He started too slowly in early-season games, and became too dependant on rallying at the end of the games. Late in the season, with injuries, ineffective play and however you want to describe what transpired with Titus Young, depleting the receiving corps, Stafford didnít have a chance. But Johnson is still there. There isnít a more valuable non-quarterback in the NFL.

The Lions just need some level of consistency at the other receiving spots. They could get it from the return to health of Nate Burleson and Ryan Broyles. Itís not a big ticket item ó if they make the right evaluations about receivers they acquire via free agency and/or the draft, and access the injury issues with Broyles and Burleson properly.

The Lions could use another running back, preferably one with long speed, but they have serviceable players at that position. Same with their offensive line. They arenít major overhaul spots.

Itís defensively where the Lions are badly lacking. But when you have such early draft picks ó essentially two first-rounders ó you should be able to secure two starters immediately. As for their draft last year, it would not surprise me if cornerbacks Bill Bentley and Jonte Green are good players this coming season.

Somehow, the Lions have to become more creative with how they use Suh. Too often he is a sitting duck in the middle of the line for double teams. He has rush end skills in a tackleís body.

That adjustment comes in the meeting room and on the practice field. That doesnít mean changing defensive sets but tweaking them.

It is not like the NFC is this dominate conference with great teams. The Lions are in the mix with pretty much everybody else not named the 49ers. Just look at the turnover in Atlanta this off season.

Itís always a fluid situation in the NFL. Unlike in the past, when the Lions were void of star-caliber players, they have three genuine standouts.

With the right moves, they should contend again this season.

Pat Caputo is a senior sports reporter and a columnist for The Oakland Press. Contact him at pat.caputo@oakpress.com and read his blog at theoaklandpress.com. You can follow him on Twitter @patcaputo98